Manchester United’s attempts to sign Bologna’s Marko Arnautovic have been branded a horrible mistake by a number of reporters.
It came to light yesterday that United have had a €9 million offer for the former West Ham and Stoke City player turned down by the Italian club.
Danijel, brother of Marko Arnautović on Manchester United bid: “It’s true that there’s a bid from a well-known club…”, told @heidenreich84. 🚨🇦🇹 #MUFC
“I’m in contact with Bologna to see if that can be realised”, he added.
Opening bid around €9/10m has been turned down. pic.twitter.com/EaUMY2Jul9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2022
The fact that United are trying to land a 33-year-old misfit has not gone down well with the fanbase, with social media awash with negative reactions. Journalists and pundits have also condemned the move.
“Arnautovic is evidence United have run out of ideas and the original transfer plan is off the table … these feel like desperate times at #mufc,” said Goal’s James Robson.
Arnautovic is evidence United have run out of ideas and the original transfer plan is off the table.
Ten Hag needs bodies and with the season already started, he is going for people he knows.
Goes against his comments on Friday – but these feel like desperate times at #mufc— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) August 7, 2022
“On Friday Erik ten Hag said he only wants the “right players” for his squad. Is Marko Arnautović who turns 34 this season and has spent the majority of the last three years playing in China really the right player?”, added FourFourTwo’s Sam Pilger.
On Friday Erik ten Hag said he only wants the “right players” for his squad. Is Marko Arnautović who turns 34 this season and has spent the majority of the last three years playing in China really the right player? #MUFC
— Sam Pilger (@sampilger) August 7, 2022
“That #mufc are open to signing Arnautovic is scandalous. Ighalo was supposed to be a one-off yet, two-and-a-half years later, they are looking to sign an older forward who’s been playing in China. In a summer the squad is being ‘rebuilt’. They are insulting supporters.” The MEN’s Samuel Lukhurst complained.
That #mufc are open to signing Arnautovic is scandalous. Ighalo was supposed to be a one-off yet, two-and-a-half years later, they are looking to sign an older forward who’s been playing in China. In a summer the squad is being ‘rebuilt’. They are insulting supporters.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) August 7, 2022
“I’ve got a comment on everything in the world apart from Manchester United signing Marko Arnautović today,” former United captain turned pundit Gary Neville had to say.
🚨🇦🇹 Gary Neville: “I’ve got a comment on everything in the world apart from Manchester United signing Marko Arnautović today.” 🤣 #MUFC
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) August 7, 2022
But aside from issues around Arnautovic’s age and quality, some correspondents noted that there are serious issues over the player’s character.
“There’s no way that Arnautovic should be a consideration after Kargbo’s accusation,” said Republik of Mancunia’s Scott Patterson, referring to Willem II’s Ibrahim Kargbo’s claim that Arnautovic racially abused him.
There’s no way that Arnautovic should be a consideration after Kargbo’s accusation. pic.twitter.com/n1ogDS2VJz
— Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) August 8, 2022
BTP Media Network’s Phil Brown notes that Arnautovic was banned for an anti-Albanian slur made against a North Macedonian player.
Hi guys, just wanted to inform you that your new commercial partner “Man U” are trying to sign a flagrant racist and sexist. Cristiano is this consistent with the values of Qualcomm? @donnymac @cristianoamon pic.twitter.com/NHD8waCgUd
— Pilib De Brún (Phil Brown) (@Malachians) August 8, 2022
“Utd knowingly and willingly pursuing a grotesque racist and sexist has me experiencing emotions towards the club that I’ve never felt before… I’m absolutely disgusted at how low this football club has stooped,” Brown said.
Utd knowingly and willingly pursuing a grotesque racist and sexist has me experiencing emotions towards the club that I’ve never felt before. I speak only for myself & don’t ask that you feel the same but I’m absolutely disgusted at how low this football club has stooped. It’s..
— Pilib De Brún (Phil Brown) (@Malachians) August 7, 2022
Perhaps it is a blessing that United’s bid for the Austrian was turned down as it will give the club a chance to see the overwhelmingly negative reaction that fans and the media would have to his joining the club.
Of course, United need squad players and backup options and that is especially true in regard to the centre-forward position. But Arnautovic is simply not the answer.
